Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Breast reconstruction surgery is used to rebuild the breast after a mastectomy. It is important to note that the surgery will not give back the breast, but it can result in a restoration of the patients shape before the loss of the breast. The new breast will not have any natural sensation, but it can provide a woman with a restoration of her self confidence and help deal with the loss of a breast.
 |  |  |
There are a couple of ways that the doctor can reconstruct the breast. The use of silicone implants is one of the ways that is commonly used in this type of cosmetic surgery. Some doctors will also reconstruct the breast by using tissues from other areas of the body. The type that the plastic surgeon will perform on you will depend on a number of factors such as your age and the cancer treatment that you have undergone.
What Is Involved With Breast Reconstruction Surgery
It typically takes more than one surgery to reconstruct the breast. Along with the implantation of the silicone implant or other type of reconstructed breast, the doctor will have to perform a number of additional steps. The addition of a nipple, the size and shape of the breast may need changing after surgery and there may be a need to work on the other breast to give a more symmetrical look to the breasts.
Implants In Breast Reconstruction
Many times the implant surgery is performed at the same time as the mastectomy. This eliminates the need for additional surgery and can help the woman who has undergone a mastectomy start to heal and move on with their life. It is best suited for women who have small or medium size breasts, but there are times when the other breast can be augmented or reduced as well to create a more symmetrical appearance. The breast implants that are used can be either saline or silicone.
Breast Reconstruction With Natural Grafts
One of the benefits of this type of surgery is the natural look and feel of the breast after the reconstruction surgery. The surgery is more complicated, however. It will also result in scars from the areas of the body where the tissue was grafted. Some results of this surgery can be a weakness in the area when muscles must be removed to perform the reconstruction.
Recovery
Many women can resume their normal activities within six weeks of the surgery. The doctor will determine the extent of your recovery and make a recommendation depending on the surgery that was performed.
A woman who has undergone a mastectomy and a subsequent breast reconstruction surgery will most likely feel some strong emotions regarding the procedures. It is perfectly normal for a woman to feel a sense of loss from the surgery. However, breast reconstruction can help improve the appearance and give a much needed boost to the self confidence. Discuss these issues with your plastic surgeon before you decide on a breast reconstruction surgery. Sometimes talking to other women who have undergone the same thing can be an enormous help.
